Karachi Residents to Challenge Nehr-e-Khayyam Project in Court

Residents of Clifton and Defence, along with Jamaat-e-Islami, plan to approach the Sindh High Court on Friday over reservations concerning the Nehr-e-Khayyam project, with almost 80% of construction reportedly complete.

Key points

• Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Deputy Chief Saifuddin Advocate remarked the administration sought an environmental impact assessment only after residents protested.
• Rasha Tariq of the Clifton Residents Committee remarked workers continued construction around the clock.
• The petition will seek protection of the canal's natural waterway and proper drainage arrangements to prevent urban flooding during heavy rainfall.
• Residents fear that concrete structures and changes to the canal's natural width could restrict rainwater and tidal water flows, putting nearby homes at risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, the petition will seek protection of the canal's natural waterway and proper drainage arrangements to prevent urban flooding during heavy rainfall.

They have additionally questioned the project's environmental approvals after the Local Administration Department sought guidance from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on October 26, despite construction already being well underway.

Rasha Tariq of the Clifton Residents Committee remarked workers continued construction around the clock. She additionally maintained that three drains built along the canal could worsen flooding, pointing to homes that flooded last year after one of the drains was constructed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Deputy Chief Saifuddin Advocate remarked the administration sought an environmental impact assessment only after residents protested. He maintained that authorities should have prepared the mandatory assessment before approving the project and starting construction. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around karachi Residents to Challenge Nehr-e point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.